By conversing with native speakers in small groups, you can strengthen your English speaking skills. You will enhance your internationally accepted English proficiency by speaking with advisors from various regions.
Contents
For more details, please read these documents. (Japanese edition only)
How to Use
- Sessions are primarily conducted in person on weekdays (Monday–Friday) during the spring and fall semesters. However, some sessions may be held online.
- Advance reservations are required. Please review Rules for Reservation and Participation under “Online Reservation Process” before booking.
- Free Talk sessions may be attended without a reservation. For details, please refer to Rules for Reservation and Participation under “Drop-in Participation.”
- Sessions are held at the ELC (Research and Lecture Building, Room 304), while online sessions are conducted via Zoom. Free Talk are held exclusively at the English Lounge (4th floor, Research and Lecture Building).
Types of Sessions
Regular Session (RS)
- A session where you can casually discuss predetermined topics each week.
- Participants will read the assignments and prepare in advance.
Academic Session (AS)
- We will discuss various academic issues, exchanging opinions with other participants to delve deeper into the subjects.
- Recommended for pre-study abroad preparation.
- Participants will read the assignments and prepare in advance.
Casual Session (CS)
- We will discuss topics closely related to university life.
- The scenarios are set in college life and are also beneficial for students considering studying abroad.
- Participants will read the assignments and prepare in advance.
Business Session (BS)
- We will cover scenarios such as business meetings and negotiations, offering practical exercises in proposing ideas and expressing opinions in a business context.
- Participants will prepare in advance according to the theme.
Discussion Session (DS)
- We will practice discussing based on English newspaper articles.
- You will learn points on how to conduct discussions in advance, practice them in sessions.
- Participants will read the assignments and prepare in advance.
Strategy Session (ST)
- Sessions to learn conversation strategies.
- Limited-time session held only in April and May.
- It is coordinated with topics from the regular sessions.
Free Talk (FT)
No specific theme is set; participants are free to discuss topics of their choice. Sessions are held at the English Lounge (4th floor, Research and Lecture Building) from Tuesday to Friday (as of the Fall 2025 semester).
▶ Spring 2026 English Lounge Session Schedule available in Japanese only
Session Schedule (Spring 2026)
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Pre-Assignments and Manuals
Topics and Pre-assignments
Please check the Speaking Session on Moodle for Open Education (MOE).
Discussion Session Manual
- Discussion Session Manual Video
The password to access the video and the Discussion Session Manual booklet (PDF) can be obtained from MOE.
Session Levels
Sessions are divided based on English proficiency levels. Below are the CEFR levels (guidelines) targeted for each session’s objectives. Let’s actively challenge ourselves to achieve higher levels as well.
| Target CEFR Level * | TYPES OF SESSIONs |
|---|---|
| A2/B1 | Strategy *Only available in April and May |
| B1 | Regular B1 (Basic), Practical |
| B2 | Regular B2 (Intermediate) |
| B2/C1 | Academic, Business, Discussion |
Time Schedule
One session is 40 minutes long. Please note that this differs from regular class time.
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English Advisors
Akari (English Learning Advising: Mondays and Wednesdays)
Avery（Speaking Session(Free Talk): Mondays）
Ashley （Speaking Session and Writing Support Desk: Fridays）
Antonio（Speaking Session(Free Talk): Tuesdays）
Briar （Speaking Session and Writing Support Desk: Fridays）
Briar Pelletier is a PhD candidate in Visual Culture at Nagoya University, with a special interest in visual cultural communication as seen in international art exchange programs. She is also an editor and grant writer for an academic NPO, and hopes her experience in writing can help students at ELC. Outside of academia, Briar loves to create things, such as writing, gardening, and embroidery. Originally from the United States, Briar speaks English and Japanese.
Kevin （Speaking Session (Free Talk) : Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Hi! I’m Kevin from the Philippines, and I’ve been living in Japan for six years. There’s still so much to explore in Japan—and that excites me every day! I’m currently a PhD student at TUFS, researching the connections between language, migration, power, gender, and identity.
While I love academic conversations, I’m also up for chatting about anything— K-pop, overtourism, politics, cheap eats, Matsuya vs. Sukiya vs. Yoshinoya, or even tips on charming your crush (still learning myself, though!).
As someone who’s also studied English, I understand the challenges—and I’m here to support you every step of the way. I look forward to talking with you and hearing your thoughts and stories!
Michelle（Speaking Session(Free Talk): Wednesdays）
Paula（Speaking Session : Thursdays)
Hello! My name is Paula and I am from America. In 2018, I earned my Masters degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). I have been working as an ELC advisor since 2023. In ELC’s Regular Speaking Sessions we talk about different topics each week. I can help you improve your speaking by pointing out mistakes in your vocabulary or pronunciation. The most important thing is that you are able to effectively communicate the idea or opinion you wish to express, so don’t worry too much about minor mistakes! My hobbies include drawing and painting, reading and studying Japanese language. One thing I value is delicious food—such food could be healing as it energizes our spirits! Thank you for reading my self-introduction!
Wyatt （Speaking Session and Writing Support Desk : Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
Hello! My name is Wyatt, and I have been teaching English at TUFS for the past 8 years. Living in Japan has been a wonderful experience, and I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in the rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Outside the classroom, I’m passionate about hiking and exploring new travel destinations. I love discovering hidden trails and experiencing the serene beauty of Japan’s natural scenery. Whether it’s climbing mountains or traveling to different parts of the country, I always find inspiration in my adventures. Looking forward to sharing my love for language and travel with you!
Yuxi （Speaking Session and Writing Support Desk : Thursdays)